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JLPT N4 grammar comparison

〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite" vs 〜ても "even if / even though"

By Nihongo PathUpdated

The difference

From the 〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite" lesson

〜ても "even if / even though": ても is "even if", hypothetical or general, and allows any second clause. のに is "even though", about a real fact, with emotion.

From the 〜ても "even if / even though" lesson

〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite": のに is about a real fact and carries regret; ても is "even if" and allows any second clause.

Side by side

〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite"

noni (gyakusetsu) · JLPT N4

Meaning
Contrary to expectation; the speaker feels surprise, regret, or dissatisfaction.
Formation
V-plain + のに: 勉強したのに, 飲んだのにい-adjective + のに: 寒いのにな-adjective + なのに: 便利なのにNoun + なのに: 日曜日なのにMain clause: a fact (not a request, command or invitation)

  1. 一生懸命勉強したのに、試験に落ちた。

    いっしょうけんめい べんきょうしたのに、しけんに おちた。

    Even though I studied hard, I failed the exam.

  2. 今日は日曜日なのに、会社に行かなければならない。

    きょうは にちようびなのに、かいしゃに いかなければ ならない。

    Even though it's Sunday, I have to go to work.

Full lesson on 〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite"

〜ても "even if / even though"

temo / demo · JLPT N4

Meaning
Concessive: the result holds regardless of the condition.
Formation
V-て + も: 降っても, 行っても; negative 行かなくてもい-adjective: drop い + くても: 高くても, いい→よくてもな-adjective + でも: 静かでもNoun + でも: 雨でもQuestion word + 〜ても: いくら〜ても, どんなに〜ても, 誰が〜ても, 何を〜ても

  1. 雨が降っても、試合をします。

    あめが ふっても、しあいを します。

    Even if it rains, we'll play the match.

  2. いくら高くても、買います。

    いくら たかくても、かいます。

    No matter how expensive it is, I'll buy it.

Full lesson on 〜ても "even if / even though"

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite" and 〜ても "even if / even though"?

ても is "even if", hypothetical or general, and allows any second clause. のに is "even though", about a real fact, with emotion.

When do you use 〜ても "even if / even though" instead of 〜のに (contrast) "although / even though / despite"?

のに is about a real fact and carries regret; ても is "even if" and allows any second clause.